Blakenhale Hub’s Eco-Warmth Initiative Nurturing Communities, One Pack at a Time
In a heartwarming venture to make a meaningful impact in the local community of Garrets Green, Oasis Hub: Blakenhale, supported by the national grid funding initiative Community Matters, distributed 150 ‘eco/keep warm’ packs to local households.
Leading this initiative are the passionate young pupils from Oasis Academy Blakenhale, guided by Adam Larkin, Hub leader at Oasis Hub: Blakenhale, Abi Eccleston, Eco-Champion at the academy, and Vicki Brice, School Council Lead.
The initiative, which saw the active involvement of the academy’s eco champions and rights-respecting school champions, goes beyond the typical charitable giving. The young leaders took charge of the entire process, from selecting the items for the packs, to designing the bags and crafting information leaflets. The result is a thoughtful and comprehensive bundle designed not only to keep families warm, but also to encourage sustainable practices, saving both money and the environment.
Each eco/keep warm pack, valued at £32, is a carefully curated collection of items chosen for their practicality and environmental impact. The contents include a water-saving shower head, a draft excluder, two energy-efficient LED light bulbs, a cozy fleece blanket, a hot water bottle, a turn-off-the-light sticker, and an informative leaflet. The combination of all the items included in the pack is not only geared towards keeping homes warm, but also contributes to lowering energy consumption and reducing utility bills.
Adam Larkin, Hub leader at Oasis Hub: Blakenhale, says "This project is a true testament to the power of community collaboration. The children have played a pivotal role in every aspect, showcasing their dedication to creating positive change in the lives of their neighbours. It's heartening to witness their passion for sustainability and community welfare."
Jessica Marshall, National Environmental Sustainability Manager at Oasis Community Learning, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader impact of such initiatives. "Projects like these exemplify the core values of Oasis Community Learning. By actively involving the youth in initiatives that promote both environmental consciousness and community well-being, we are sowing the seeds for a sustainable future.”
The initiative kicked off with a ‘Warm Welcome’ coffee morning, where some of the young pupils distributed the packs to community members. The engagement doesn't stop there, though. Over the coming weeks, Oasis Hub: Blakenhale plans to work closely with the children to distribute the remaining packs to school families, individuals accessing the living room/warm welcome, and the local food bank.
Additionally, the initiative will reach out to a project that caters to those over 50, ensuring that the benefits of these eco/keep warm packs touch lives across generations.
As these young eco-champions continue to inspire change, Oasis Hub: Blakenhale's Eco-Warmth Initiative serves as a shining example of the positive impact that community-driven sustainability projects can have on both individuals and the environment. The future, it seems, is in good hands.